A new wettability Parameter based on iGC to characterize the Flotation process for the Separation of fine Mineral particles

Flotation is a heterocoagulation based separation process for fine particles in aqueous dispersions (size range approx. 5 µm < x <200 µm). It is used in large extent and with billions of tons of particles processed per year in the mining industry to separate valuable mineral particles from worthless ones. The main principle of separation is the particles’ differences in wettability. This wettability is influenced by controlled selective adsorption of amphiphilic molecules rendering most typically the valuable containing minerals hydrophobic. Usually the particle property “wettability” is being quantified with a water contact angle. However, this value is not only difficult to assess for particles but furthermore through Young’s equation a function of the surface free energy, which is a complex parameter as a result of various interatomic/intermolecular interactions. Using iGC we are able to characterize these complex wettability properties of particles assessing the heterogeneity of disperse and acid base specific surface free energies. These complex values are used in accordance to an approach by van Oss to formulate a new wettability parameter for flotation which is the specific free energy of interaction between a particle and a gas bubble immersed in water. We are presenting the general approach and results from various mineral collector systems and give insights to the boundary conditions and the general calculation scheme.